Communal spaces and places
Russian arts community. They describe it as:
“ ‘Guslitsa’ – creative community of a new type, which brings together representatives of creative professions – architects, musicians, artists, curators, directors, actors, producers, journalists and others.
As a project, ‘Guslitsa’ – a community, art institutions and cultural and educational tourist center. The goal – to create an environment of communication for the revival of culture of the region by involving local people in cultural international processes. Creative Estate ‘Guslitsa’ is also the seat of the International Art and implementing a number of programs in the field of art. The estate is situated in a picturesque location surrounded by pine forests, rivers and lakes. On the territory of the estate Creative practiced conventional international laws of ecology.”
Links to their main website, which offers lots of info about their community and guest opportunities.
Artecolonia. A Bulgarian project suggesting a ‘middle way’ between art and nature as a sustainable way of life. It is an initiative is open to people who are aware of their place in the environment in which they live, which ask questions and seek answers.
This is a very grandly conceived utopian city that is being gradually developed in Southern India.
It was founded in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa (known as “The Mother”) and designed by architect Roger Anger. However, it is not without its problems.
Their aim is: “Auroville wants to be a universal town where men and women of all countries are able to live in peace and progressive harmony above all creeds, all politics and all nationalities.
The purpose of Auroville is to realise human unity.”
Links to the official site and a commentary on the problems faced in Auroville.
Orgiva in Spain has long been a destination for new Travellers and hippies. Badulina is one community there, started by a Dutch guy, Melchior Hof.
Links to their Facebook page and a video. There are more about Orgiva, especially on Vimeo.
There’s now a book, ‘An Adventure Shared’, published by Diggers and Dreamers about the life, struggles, highs and lows of this community (1985-2010 compiled by Rachel Rowlands). Bamford Community is based in the Derbyshire Dales in England.
A link to the book and to their website which includes a short video with nice pics and stirring music!
Australian performer/artist/eco-activist. On the frontline of artistic eco-protest since the late 1960s. Founded the Nimbin Aquarius Foundation linking the Rainbow Region of Australia with Woodstock in the USA.
Links to his own website and a great video of him talking about his art – and masks from the ‘Dark Side’.
Brithdir Mawr Collective in Wales, UK. “A community working towards sustainability” is how they describe themselves. They co-run an 85 acre farm site. Links here to their website.
Originating in Germany, they say that, “We are an intentional Christian community of more than 2,700 people living in twenty-three settlements on four continents. We are a fellowship of families and singles, practicing radical discipleship in the spirit of the first church in Jerusalem.”
Some view them as a cult. Links to their official site and one that is critical.
Camphill communities. They provide opportunities for children, young people and adults with learning disabilities, mental health problems and other special needs to live, learn and work together with others in an atmosphere of mutual respect and equality.
There are more than 100 Camphill communities in over 20 countries in Europe, North America, southern Africa and India.
A struggling, but innovative eco-experiment a metro ride out of Barcelona in Spain.
They say: “In Collserola National Park, an ecologically lush area has been reclaimed for an autonomous experiment called Can Masdeu. It was once a hospital to treat leprosy, but its mansion and broad grounds sat idle for half a century. Its co-owners were likely speculating on the growing land value. 15 years ago a group of squatters, activists and environmentalists, both local and international, ascended into the space.”
Links to their main site and an article about the community.